Friday, August 1, 2014

Elphant attack at Chirundu

The assistant managers Dylan Taylor and Hayley Simleit
from Tiger Safaris Chirundu, were involved in a random elephant attack whilst
walking with their dogs, very close to the Total garage by the main road, a
path regularly used by locals.

They noticed a young bull elephant in the distant bush,
but before they knew it the young bull charged, pinning Hayley down.

Dylan attempted to distract the bull but to no avail and
the 2nd bull attacked Dylan, by now the rest of the herd was surrounding them.

Dylan was tossed about and fortunately landed on an ant
hill which saved him giving them chance to be rescued.Thankfully they were
takento Zambian clinic and treated in
Lusaka. They are now recovering in Harare. This is a reminder that you are
still in a wildlife area when visiting the river. The elephants were a young
herd with young calves and naturally protecting their babies.

The general consensus is that poaching is rife and dogs
are used for hunting, even though their dogs were on a leash the elephants may
have picked up their scent.Fortunately
this hasa happy ending. Both Dylan and
Hayley are very battered and bruised and traumatized but have survived to tell
the tale. Special thanks go to all who assisted in their rescue.